Tag: blessed

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GPS

When I was younger, whenever we traveled my father never asked for directions. He used positions of the sun to determine which way to go. I always found that fascinating. If we ever got turned around he didn’t like asking for help. He was fond on using a map. He taught me to always pay attention to my surroundings and use buildings as a landmark. He was always used as the point of contact for others to get directions. It didn’t matter where they were in the country, he could always get them back on the correct path. I remember one particular time a friend was turned around in another state. When my dad was on the phone with him he asked what side of the car was the sun on? When he answered him, he told him he was going in the wrong direction. Lol! We laughed about that for years. He was amazing at many things, but one thing for sure, if you were ever lost you could call him to get you back on path.

Everyone has access to a GPS on their phones or in their cars. Any place you need to go, all you have to do is put it in the system. GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and it lets you know where you are and shows you how to get to anywhere on Earth. But sometimes it can take you to the wrong destination. This usually happens when their is a weak signal, or some obstruction blocking the line of sight to the GPS satellites. I don’t know what others do, but I don’t have a problem asking for help. Who has time being lost in the woods or stranded on a deserted road? Not me! I will not be the sacrificial black girl in a horror scenario. Lol!

Just like my dad, sometimes when we feel lost we don’t like asking for help. We try to figure things out on our own. You are not alone. God knew you were going to have this problem before the problem came. He already had a solution for you. Why not use His GPS system? God’s Positioning System (GPS) is guiding us continuously. He will guide our every step. Guess what? He never gets tired! He will not leave you stranded. When we get to know Him and trust Him, he will guide us.

Last month my husband and I went to a birthday party in Atlanta, GA. Before we left our friend told him that when you put their address in the GPS it will take you to a different house. He went on to explain to him how to get there. However, when we made it sure enough the GPS took us to the wrong house. I asked my husband why don’t you call and ask him how to get to his house? He was certain he could figure it out. Well sure enough we drove around, when he finally called we were just one block away. All I could do was shake my head and laugh. The men in my life are so stubborn. Lol! My laughing was short lived though because I immediately felt convicted. I do the same thing but with God. I know I should rely on Him with everything. But, sometimes I still try to figure it out without consulting with Him or trusting Him. I had to repent. God was right there to forgive me.

Listen, God already knew the mistakes we were going to make and all the obstacles the adversary was going to throw at us. He had a solution for that, His name is Jesus! Through his blood we are forgiven. We get to repent and keep going. There is nothing too hard for God to fix. How can He fix it if we don’t give it to Him? The mechanic can’t fix your car if you don’t take it to them, right? I am asking you, to please trust Him with whatever you’re going through. I promise you, He already has an answer.

Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.

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Dancing in the Rain

On May 20, 2020 another storm came through. My nephew was shot and died the following day. I keep thinking about the day he was born. On November 8, 1999, exactly 2 weeks after my birthday, I held my sister’s hand as she pushed him into this world. Other than my own children, I had never witnessed a baby being born. Image of his little baby face will forever be with me. Now, here we are burying him. This is just so unbelievable. Burying my dad was unbearable, and now here we are 6 years later burying my nephew who was named after him.

One thing is for sure. We can’t stop storms. If one is predicted then we are better prepared because we expected it. Then, there are those that come out of nowhere. Almost like a pop quiz, a quick test on that you’ve been studying. Here’s the thing, I’ve been feeling like I’m just sitting and watching the destruction happen. Chaos all around with no signs of peace. Another piece of my heart has been cut out of my chest.

I have been reminded that I am not sitting in this pain alone. Storms refine our faith. God will use our storms to grow our faith. So, I’ve decided to dance in the rain while I wait for the storm to pass.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

Amen.

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Reflection

Last day of the decade. Wow! A lot has happened, a lot has been lost. But a whole lot more gained.

The word “reflection” can be looked at with different meaning. We may reflect or give serious thought or consideration on something. People, during this time, reflect on the past year. How they did things or what they wish or plan to do differently. We look forward to the new year with hope, and new aspirations. We make resolutions and plans on how we are going to change certain areas of our lives.

“Reflection” also means the throwing back by a body or surface of light. It is just simply amazing how God created everything. Moonlight is the reflection of the sun off the moon’s surface. I started thinking about mankind. Are we truly being a reflection of God? Are we allowing His light to reflect off of us?…….Now that’s a plan to focus on during this next decade.

The definition of reflection that is on my mind is the image seen in a mirror or shiny surface. When I was younger I used to pray for 3 things. I wanted to be light skinned, have long hair, and the ability to sing. I can’t remember the number of times I prayed that prayer. But now I see God’s beauty in all skin tones. I am appreciating my tight coily hair. Although I have the ability to sing, let’s just say I will not be leading any songs let alone be invited to join anyone’s choir.

The important thing is, I believe we all need to focus on our image. I don’t mean develop a spirit of vanity. I mean when we start judging ourselves, pointing out our faults, looking at our inabilities, etc., we need to remember that the image we see looking back at us was created out of love. We were created for His glory and out of Their likeness.

While we are being down on ourselves or questioning our existence, just remember God says that the reflection that looks back at us is His!

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Unopened Gifts

Several nights ago I cooked steaks for dinner. All of my knives were so dull. A couple of them even came unattached to the handle. After I tossed them, I remembered my husband buying me some knives a few months prior. So, I went on a search. I found an unopened box of brand new knives in the cabinet. I just kept thinking of all the times I complained when peeling fruit for my grandbabies, or trying to slice up meat for dinner. All along, I had just what I needed less than a foot away.

About 5 months ago my husband and our oldest son got into a huge argument. My husband stormed out of our son’s apartment. I stayed and spoke calmly to our son to get him to see things from our perspective. Afterwards, I went outside and spoke with my husband. He asked me to pray with him. But honestly, I was so emotionally drained. But, with tears running down my face, all I could do was say the Lord’s Prayer. Two minutes later our son came outside, got in our truck and apologized. All I could do was say “Thank YOU Jesus!”

As I look back over my life and think about all the different storms I’ve encountered, not realizing, I was equipped with the tools I needed to weather those storms. Growing up in church I always knew about Jesus and how He died on the cross. I learned about His immaculate conception and how He healed the sick, raised the dead, made the lame walk, walked on water, and cleansed the lepers. I know how awesome He is! What I didn’t know was how powerful I am by being a true follower of Christ and baptized in the Holy Spirit. I didn’t know that I had power over the enemy. I didn’t know that I could speak the word over my family and have true victory. I didn’t know that I have gift of healing. The tools I needed were in me all along. The enemy knew that I didn’t know my own strength. That’s why it seemed his team was always winning. They new what strategies to use. I was unaware. I was trying to fight this battle on my own with no spiritual tools. Well, knowledge is powerful!

God gives us the spiritual gifts we need to conquer anything that is thrown at us. You have the power. You have the gift. He placed in you. Now all you have to do is believe.

Open your gift……….